Tips For The Howl-i-days From Our Pack To Yours

By Betheny Green

The “howl-i-days” are full of fun celebrations, but don’t let your celebrations be put straight in the dog-house with unplanned emergencies regarding your pets. The following tips and tricks for a stress-free holiday are the cat’s meow for a stress-free holiday season:

Prepare For Unplanned Emergencies

If we’re helping you out by fur-kid sitting when you leave town, make sure your pet sitter has detailed contact information for you and your veterinarian of choice. Let your veterinarian know that Lindsay’s Pet Care is caring for your fur-baby before you leave and give them authorization to treat your pet in an emergency.

Some things to always leave out when having a pet sitter in your home are:

A Flashlight

A fire extinguisher

Cleaning supplies

A cat carrier

Those Delicious Tidbits…

Keep people food away from pets, and don’t worry….your Lindsay’s Pet Care pet sitter will too!. If you want to share holiday treats with your pets, make or buy treats formulated just for them. Chocolate, baked goods, turkey/turkey skin, table scraps and yeast dough can cause serious problems for pets, including gas, bloating and even pancreatitis. Make sure to always do your research before passing those scraps under the table.

Oh Christmas Tree…

Greenery, lights and Christmas trees can make the holidays festive, but they also pose risky temptations for our pets. Make sure that your Christmas trees and other holiday decor are pet friendly. Never leave candles in reach of your pets. Some common holiday decorations that are harmful to pets are:

Poinsettias….. Although not as toxic as Holly & Mistletoe, Poinsettias contain a highly irritating sap which will cause a burning sensation to the mouth and esophagus. This often leads to vomiting

Christmas tree needles…. Aside from the beauty of a Christmas tree, the natural oils produced by a fir can be irritating to a pets mouth and cause drooling and vomiting. The pine needles can cause obstruction & puncture. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets.

Paw-ties and Guests…

The noise and excitement of paw-ties can be fun for us, but not so much fun for your pets. Even fur-kids that aren’t normally prone to anxiety can become uncomfortable and nervous in a party-atmosphere. Make sure your fur-kids have access to a comfortable, quiet place in your home if they need a spot to get away. Bring their water dishes, litter boxes, their favorite bed and toy into a quiet room so they feel safe.

Don’t Leave Home Without….

Make sure to empty any trash or make sure your trash is secure so that your pets can’t indulge and unplug lights, decorations, etc. Those curious fur-kids may be tempted to chew cords and paw at some hanging ornaments. Consider hiring Lindsay’s Pet Care Services to come check on your babies while you are out.

Working long hours or traveling and need a pet sitter or dog walker this holiday season? Let Lindsay’s Pet Care Services meet your pet sitting and dog walking needs. Our trained professionals know exactly what to do to keep your fur-kid’s safe and warm during the winter months.